ChristiaNet.com (http://www.christianet.com), the world's largest Christian portal with twelve million monthly page loads, conducted a survey on credit card debt, asking readers, "Should Christians use credit cards?" The majority of the participants felt that using a credit card is okay as long as they are for emergencies only and the balance is paid off every month. Many respondents admit that using one to make purchases is more convenient than carrying around cash or writing a check. One person said, "Yes, as long as the individual is committed in paying the debt and not allowing the debt or money to control them." (http://www.christianet.com/creditcards/)
There were 224 participants out of 340 polled, that think using a credit card is acceptable for Christians. Out of this group the overall consensus is that credit card debt should be avoided and that it is better to pay the entire balance off every month. Mounting interest and other fees charged by banks can take many years to pay off if the minimum monthly payment is all that is paid. One participant said, "If you use them wisely, they can be beneficial. However, if they become a stumbling block to you, and you're not a good steward of your money, then avoid the temptation of using a credit card."
Fifty-five people surveyed believe that Christians should not use them. Having a charge account with a large limit available is a temptation to many people. One person confessed, "We should rely on God to supply our needs, my credit cards are always maxed out." Some in this group view charge accounts as a scam because lenders know that most people will be tempted to charge up to the limit. Credit card debt usually includes high interest and other fees on top of the balance making it hard to pay.
Sixty-one people were unsure about this issue. Some people felt that they are needed for reserving hotel rooms, airline tickets, and obtaining a rental car and making purchases on the Internet. Others seem to feel that it is okay to use them as long as it is for business purposes only. One participant reminds us that the Bible directs Christians to not become indebted to others because the Lord knows the borrower is a servant to the lender. For more information, visit: http://www.christianet.com/articles/
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